Juicy Chicken, Bold Spices, Creamy Garlic Sauce — Middle Eastern Street Food at Its Best
There’s something irresistibly satisfying about a good shawarma wrap. It’s warm, bold, juicy, and rich — yet fresh and balanced. This Classic Chicken Shawarma Wrap brings the authentic flavors of the Middle East into your home kitchen using accessible ingredients, a simple marinade, and big flavors.
Perfectly marinated chicken, seared until golden and juicy, gets wrapped in a fluffy flatbread with crisp lettuce, sweet red onions, and luscious garlic mayo. Finished with a quick toast and served with fries, this wrap delivers everything you’d want from a restaurant-style shawarma — at a fraction of the price.
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Inspired by family meals and the timeless comfort of Middle Eastern cuisine, this shawarma is easy enough for a weeknight, yet impressive enough to serve to guests.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Shawarma
- 🔥 Big, bold flavor: Spices like paprika, cumin, and coriander give the chicken deep warmth and aromatic richness.
- 🥙 Restaurant quality: Just like the wraps from your favorite shawarma stand — but homemade!
- ⏱️ Easy weeknight recipe: Ready in under an hour (including marination).
- 💰 Budget-friendly: Simple ingredients with huge payoff.
- 🧄 Garlicky and creamy: The garlic mayo and Greek yogurt create a perfectly tangy sauce.
- 🥗 Customizable: Add tomatoes, cucumbers, pickles, or tahini.
Ingredients (Original Recipe Preserved)
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 500g chicken (breasts or thighs – thighs are juicier and more traditional)
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and chili flakes to taste
For the Wraps:
- 4 large wraps (flatbread, pita, or tortilla-style)
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup garlic mayo (store-bought or homemade)
How to Make Chicken Shawarma at Home
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine:
- Olive oil
- Greek yogurt
- Paprika
- Coriander powder
- Cumin
- Salt and chili flakes
Add the chicken and toss until well coated. Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator. For deeper flavor, marinate overnight.
Chef’s Tip: Yogurt tenderizes the chicken while helping the spices cling — it’s a must for juicy shawarma.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 5–7 minutes per side (depending on thickness), until golden brown and fully cooked.
Once done, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
Step 3: Build the Wraps
Lay out your wraps and begin layering:
- Spread a generous spoonful of garlic mayo down the center.
- Add a layer of shredded lettuce.
- Sprinkle over red onion slices.
- Add a good handful of the sliced chicken.
Roll tightly like a burrito or shawarma wrap.
Step 4: Toast and Serve
For extra flavor and structure, lightly toast the wraps in a skillet or panini press until golden.
Serve hot, with fries, pickled turnips, or a side of hummus.
Flavor & Texture Profile
- The chicken: Smoky, juicy, aromatic, and just a little spicy.
- The garlic mayo: Creamy, tangy, with a bold garlic punch that cuts through the richness.
- The lettuce and onions: Crisp and fresh, offering texture and contrast.
- The wrap: Soft and warm, with a satisfying bite after toasting.
Homemade Garlic Mayo (Optional)
Want to make your own? Combine:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic, finely grated or crushed
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt to taste
Whisk until creamy and well blended. Chill for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Shawarma Wrap is a full meal on its own, but try pairing it with:
- 🍟 Crispy French fries or sweet potato wedges
- 🧄 Garlic rice or herbed couscous
- 🥗 Chopped cucumber-tomato salad
- 🥒 Pickled turnips, pickles, or jalapeños
Serve with iced tea, mint lemonade, or even a yogurt-based drink like ayran.
Variations & Add-Ons
- 🥒 Add pickles or pickled onions for a tangy crunch
- 🍅 Add tomatoes or cucumbers for freshness
- 🌿 Use fresh mint or parsley for an herby finish
- 🌯 Swap wraps for pita pockets
- 🌶️ Like heat? Add hot sauce or harissa to the mayo!
Storage Tips
- Cooked chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3–4 days.
- Wrap components should be stored separately if prepping ahead.
- Reheat chicken gently in a skillet before assembling.
Great for meal prep — just wrap and toast fresh!
FAQs
Can I grill the chicken?
Yes! Grilling adds an amazing smoky flavor. Use skewers or a grill pan.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has mild heat. Adjust chili flakes to your taste.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use plant-based yogurt and mayo substitutes. The flavor remains delicious!
Final Thoughts
This Classic Chicken Shawarma Wrap is the perfect blend of creamy, spiced, crispy, and juicy — all wrapped up in a warm flatbread. It’s easy, affordable, and incredibly satisfying whether you’re feeding the family or meal-prepping lunches.
With a little marination and a hot skillet, you’ll have a flavor-packed dinner that rivals any takeout spot. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a regular in your rotation.
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Classic Chicken Shawarma Wrap 🔥🔥
Classic Chicken Shawarma Wrap
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade:
- 500g chicken (breast or thigh)
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and chili flakes to taste
Wrap Components:
- 4 large tortilla wraps or flatbreads
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup garlic mayo
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine marinade ingredients. Add chicken and mix well. Marinate for 1 hour or overnight.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 5–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Let chicken rest 5 minutes. Slice into thin strips.
- Lay out wraps. Spread garlic mayo, add lettuce, onions, and sliced chicken.
- Roll tightly. Toast wraps in a skillet if desired.
- Serve hot with fries or side salad.
Tips:
- For extra crisp, toast the wraps in a dry pan or press.
- Add pickles, cucumbers, or tomatoes if you like.
- Homemade garlic mayo: Mix mayo, lemon juice, and crushed garlic.
Juicy, zesty, and street-food worthy — this shawarma hits the spot!
Notes
Servings: 4 | Prep Time: 10 min | Marinate Time: 1 hr | Cook Time: 15 min | Total Time: 1 hr 25 min
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